RAISE A GLASS
Our pick of must-try spirits, craft beer and non-alcoholic alternatives
beer
First Chop JAM mango pale
This Eccles brewery has come a long way since opening under a Salford railway arch, now producing a range of 13 innovative craft beers (plus regular collaborations and seasonal specials). The awardwinning JAM is gluten-free and pours beautifully golden with tropical mango flavours and a refreshing edge. £42 (20 x 300ml) cans, flavourly.com
non alcoholic Gimber organic ginger concentrate
Here’s a very grown-up alcohol alternative for Dry Jan-ers. This fiery organic ginger concentrate has complex notes of lemon, cane sugar and herbs, and a real bite. Mix with soda water, or use in mocktails. £27.50 (500ml), uk.gimber.com
spirit
El Sueño tequila silver
Sweet and floral on the nose, this tequila is smooth and peppery, with bright notes of green chillies and lime. We love serving it cold and neat for sipping, or paired with lime and soda for homemade margaritas. 38%, £20.58 (70cl), masterofmalt.com
tea
HOLOS Kombucha
West Sussex-based HOLOS make fantastic-tasting kombucha while doing good – in partnership with two UK charities, they employ survivors of slavery, providing training and job opportunities. If you’re going booze-free, try the Citra Hops, kombucha’s answer to beer with tropical flavours and a dry finish. £2.50 (330ml), selected M&S stores
box kits Unwined Experience
South London wine bar, Unwined, offer seasonal ina-box wine experiences. The boxes (delivered nationwide) include three bottles, artisanal cheeses, an aperitif and snacks. In January, the theme is ‘New Beginning’ – try a vino you haven’t sipped before and learn more with online videos. £65, unwinedatyours.co.uk
whisky The Gladstone Axe: The Black Axe
A blend of 14 Highlands’ and Islay Scotch whiskies, with a higher proportion of peaty Islay malts for a smoky character. The characteristic oak sweetness is tempered by a coastal smoky flavour, with a lightly spiced lingering finish. 41%, £29.95 (70cl), thewhiskyexchange.com